$35m Chinese Investments Take Off in Kwara, AbdulRazaq Hails Boost to Industrialisation

Kwara State has attracted at least two Chinese foreign investments valued at about $35 million, as part of efforts to accelerate industrialisation and economic growth under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration.
The investments include a $20 million lithium processing factory that has been completed and commenced operations, as well as a proposed pharmaceutical company valued at over $15 million.
Team Lead of ER-KANG Company Limited, Sun Qing Rong, disclosed this while leading his team to meet with Governor AbdulRazaq, describing the projects as a direct outcome of discussions held with the governor in Beijing about two years ago.
“This is one of the fruits of the meeting that we held with Your Excellency in Beijing about two years ago. Today, we have completed the lithium plant and it is up and running. And this year, we are starting the pharmaceutical company with the help of Your Excellency,” Rong said.
He explained that the lithium factory processes the mineral into finished materials rather than exporting it in its raw form, in line with the state government’s policy of promoting value addition and local manufacturing.
“Our plants process lithium into ready materials, instead of exporting it raw without any value addition,” he said.
Rong added that the company currently employs more than 300 workers, most of whom are indigenes of Kwara State, noting that the investment is already creating employment opportunities for residents.
He further revealed plans to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in the state, valued at more than $15 million, and said the firm would also partner with the state government on the proposed industrial park.
The pharmaceutical project, according to him, would help bridge gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare manufacturing sector.
“The factory will include two phases of construction for large infusion and small volume injection workshops, which will make up for the shortage of such products in the Nigerian market. At present, the relevant preparatory work is basically completed,” he said.
Rong commended the state government for creating what he described as a conducive atmosphere for investors.
“We appreciate the outstanding investment environment for foreign investors like us,” he said, adding that the company operates with a strong sense of social responsibility in its host communities.
In his response, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed satisfaction with the progress and impact of the investments, noting that they would significantly boost the state’s economy.
“These investments will create jobs, encourage technology transfer, and boost the local economy,” the governor said.
He assured the investors of the state’s continued support, adding: “We are willing to support you and others to invest more in our state.”
Members of the ER-KANG delegation included the company’s lawyer, Barrister Ibrahim Atanda; Project Architect, Arch. Sayi Yekeen; Quality Control Supervisor, Shuai Hai Tao; Factory Manager, Cao Zheng Hai; Pharmaceutical Manager, Xie Chuan Li; and Administrative Manager, Mi Guang Hua.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah, also joined the governor at the meeting.